COUNCILLORS at this week's area planning meeting in Leeds were appalled to see a recommendation from officers to approve a controversial housing scheme at Pool-in-Wharfedale.

Despite vigorous attempts at their last meeting to hammer home the fact the council members would strongly resist the demolition of Monkman's Restaurant, officers went ahead and recommended that it should go ahead.

Livid ward councillors declared themselves horrified and astonished - just how could the planning officers ignore their wishes in such a blatant fashion? Another ward councillor stepped in to defend the unfortunate officer who, it was explained, was just doing his job.

Despite explaining to the developer the strong feelings of councillors, the developer demanded the application be put forward - and bearing in mind it went along with Government planning guidelines, who can blame him?

The planning officers, who sing to the same tune, had no choice but to recommend approval. Despite all that, the scheme is now due to come back next time with a recommendation to refuse. One can only imagine the difficulties of the planning department if the developer decides to appeal to the Secretary of State. Well, we did give it approval, but the councillors told us no.

Meanwhile, three separate plans to extend three Otley primary schools have gone through at breakneck speed. In just ten months, the council announced plans to turn five schools in the town into three, went to public consultation and put together plans to extend the schools' facilities - all before the planned crossover in September.

Is that some sort of record?